"Iditarod 1993"

Posted:

Wed, 03/13/2013 - 7:54am

Information from the March 4, 1993 edition of the Chugiak-Eagle River Star:

Twenty years ago, Eagle River was the first major stop for mushers in the Iditarod. The first of 69 teams were greeted by spectators as they mushed up Eagle River Hill around 11 a.m. to stay only 20 or 30 minutes. During that brief time, volunteers served them the traditional “Musher stew” and cornbread. Cookies baked by students at Homestead Elementary School were passed on to all mushers before they departed in trucks for the re-start in Wasilla.

Seven local mushers were among the 69. They were Joe Carpenter, John Peterson, Diana Dronenburg, Bert Hanson — all veteran mushers — and rookies Norman Lee, Val Aron and Roger Haertel.